|
Mathilda was born on April 12, 1863, the fourth of 12 children to Peter
and Johannah (Nabbefeld) Huven. Peter and Johannah came to the
United States and settled in Washington County, Wisconsin around
1860. Five years later they moved to Outagamie County and
settled in town of Freedom, Wisconsin.
Mathilda married Albert Augustine Steffens on October 28, 1888 and they
lived on Albert's family farm in Black Creek County just outside
Freedom. The farm was a meticulously maintained and highly
productive 100 acre tract of land on which they raised livestock (hogs
and cattle), dairy products, and had a team of Percheron work
horses.
Mathilda's mother died in Freedom in 1879 at the age of 49.
Mathilda's father came to live with Albert and Mathilda on the farm
shortly after their marriage, and he lived there 10 years until his
death on January 11, 1899 at the age of 72.
Mathilda and Albert were always connected with the Roman Catholic
Church, and regularly attended the Catholic church in Freedom
township. They had 7 children, 6 sons and a daughter (Joseph, Johannah
(Hannah), Henry, Lawrence, Leo, Fred, and Paul). Albert died in
Freedom on April 25, 1931 at age 71. Mathilda survived
him by over 20 years, until her death on February 27, 1953 at the age
of 89.
|
